The 21-year-old stable worker, who was described as an experienced horsewoman, was said to be conscious, but confused.
Even though she suffered serious head injuries, doctors decided not to fly her to the specialist neurological unit in Southampton and are treating her at the General Hospital.
She was thrown from her mount in the lanes by Longueville Manor Hotel at around 9.30 am when her horse and two others were spooked by the high winds.
The three bolted down the road and one was in collision with a car before finally being caught.Carolyn Ozanne, who runs the yard where the horses were stabled, said that all three had been checked by the vet and suffered only cuts and bruises.
She added that one of the horses had a broken knee – meaning that it had broken the skin on its leg.’The horses and all the girls are fine,’ said Mrs Ozanne.
‘It was just an unfortunate accident.
They are hunters and experienced competition horses, and the girls are experienced riders.
Horses that are in flight are very capable of looking after themselves.’P insp Richard Brée said that the name of the injured rider could not be released until her mother, who lives in the UK, had been informed.
He added that no charges would be brought against anyone involved in yesterday’s incident, which left a car dented.
